Hello again friends,
It’s time for another update. In my world travels, I have slept in a lot of beds and locations, as well as in airports, on planes, buses, and trains. But the last two nights I’ve slept in a hospital bed for the first time. The bed is not bad and certainly more comfortable than some of my travel experiences. I had blood work done on Tuesday morning, and that night, I was informed that I needed to go to the ER. My sodium levels were critically low at 120. They ended up keeping me until Friday afternoon. I was tested for parasites, HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and more. This is what we know. I have H pylori ( a bacteria in the stomach), a weak immune system, abnormal blood cells, and osteoporosis. All other test results were negative.
More tests have revealed they still don’t know what is happening in my body. I have not been well for the past nine months. At times, I’ve felt like I was getting stronger, but then I would experience decline. I have continued to push through, but I have been scheduling my doctor’s appointments and exams between my times in Kenya. Colonoscopy, MRI, lower abdominal CT scan, ultrasound, and regular lab tests. They initially thought my prolonged low testosterone (46) was the problem. But now with replacement therapy, that was not my underlying issue. I have a July 8 appointment with a Hematologist.
I did go to Kenya again from April 18 – May 12. This visit was only to Namanga at the Life Center project. My two apprentices had continued working while I was away. So grateful for their help especially since I’m not at 100%. Their productivity and quality of their work was very encouraging. We finished the guest rooms, then started on the kitchen. I worked on the guest suite unit and they focused on the kitchen. Not only are the apprentices helping me but it’s encouraging to hear how much they have benefited in furthering their skills and providing for their families. One family was able to now purchase a cow and the other was recently married and is saving money for building a house. They have continued to work on the kitchen since I left. The plan is for them to build the remaining cabinets on the educational and medical levels. I have great confidence in them.
Since our last update, Naomi has been focused on the women’s makeover outreach. This is a special time here at NYSUM. Approximately 100 women come in from all over the US to visit women’s shelters here in the city. They share the love of Jesus through manicures, pedicures, hair, makeup, and each lady receives a gently used outfit. This takes weeks of preparation and planning. Naomi has great organizational skills that are helpful in keeping all the resources and logistics flowing. Her creativity allows her to decorate bulletin boards, welcome signs, and even a photo booth. The outreach was on May 17th.
She has also taken on the responsibility of housekeeping and room assignments. This includes three floors of lodging for visiting short-term missions teams. We are in the busiest season here, so there are a lot of arrivals and departures–some nights, over 250 guests. This has kept her very busy.
Currently, I have many medical visits to follow up on and get a diagnosis. The doctors are not sure yet what is going on. I’m grateful that NYSUM is helping me with a very flexible schedule as an outreach leader. I’m also meeting a few needs for our unhoused friends. They know that I’m not well, and they understand.
We’ll continue to update you as we learn more about the situation.
Thank you for your constant prayers and support.
Blessings,
Paul and Naomi
BLIP 